Food Safety and Health Sector: New FDA Branch and meeting with health staff

A new branch office for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was inaugurated in Mandalay on Sunday. Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win, along with Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Commander of Central Region Command Brig-Gen Kyi Khaing, and officials, formally opened the building.

The Union Minister and the Chief Minister later unveiled the signboard and stone inscription of the new building and conducted a traditional ceremony with scented water. They then observed the process of online e-Submission for the approval of local food products, laboratories for food and drug testing, and a small booth highlighting efforts to ensure the safety of food and drugs.

In the subsequent ceremony, the Union Minister delivered a speech, emphasizing the FDA's collaboration with international organizations, including ASEAN member states, to ensure the safety of food for consumers. Plans are underway to draft national legislation, including the National Food Law, Medical Equipment Law, and Cosmetics Law, in line with the country's current trends.

He stated that the new office would provide international-standard laboratory tests for the safety of food, medicines, medical equipment, and cosmetics, benefiting the people. The Director-General of the Food and Drug Administration Department then presented reports on their work.

The new branch office for the Food and Drug Administration in Mandalay is equipped with modern infrastructure in a 6-story office building. Additionally, a 6-story staff housing facility was also constructed. The Union Minister and party later visited Mandalay People's Hospital and paid respects to the State OvadaCeriya Chief Patron Sayadaw of MahaGandayon Monastery of Amarapura, who is hospitalized there.

They made donations and inquired about the Sayadaw's health with specialists. They also provided cash assistance to the hospitalized health staff at the hospital. In a meeting with the Medical Superintendent, professors/specialists, nurses, and staff, the Union Minister mentioned that the ministry is working to provide convenient arrangements for out-of-pocket expenses for the public receiving health treatment.

He emphasized the need for systematic procedures in the private health sector and urged all to strive for the effective use of medicines, medical equipment, manpower, and budget for the systematic progress of the healthcare sector.